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Consumer Confidential: Risky massage, Motrin recall, burger wars

December 22, 2011 | 9:50
am

Here's your thunder-island Thursday roundup of consumer news from around the Web:

-- We all want a massage to die for ... but not literally. The Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to use the ShoulderFlex Massager because at least one person is reported to have died from strangulation while using the device. The massager is sold in retail stores, catalogs and online. It's intended to provide a deep tissue massage to the neck, shoulders and back area while lying down. But the FDA warns that hair, clothing or jewelry can become entangled in the device and cause serious injury or even death from strangulation. There have been reports of one death and one near-death due to strangulation. (ConsumerAffairs.com)

-- Another heads up: Johnson & Johnson has issued another recall of Motrin pain relievers -- the sixth in two years. This time, it's because Motrin IB pills may not dissolve and begin working as fast as they're supposed to as they approach their three-year expiration date. That could delay relief of pain. The recall covers Motrin IB coated caplets and coated tablets, in packages with either 24 pills or 30 pills. A company spokeswoman says J&J is recalling packages only from retailers, not consumers, because there's no safety concern. If you have questions, call J&J at (888) 222-6036. (Associated Press)

--Who rules Burger Land? Well, McDonald's is still top dog, but the battle for second place is heating up. Wendy’s is poised to pass Burger King in market share sometime next year, according to market analysts. It would be the first time that Wendy’s, which was founded in 1969, has reached the No. 2 spot. Burger King, which once held about 20% of the $65 billion hamburger market, fell to 13.3% last year and could soon dip below 10%. Wendy’s, meanwhile, has focused on taste, offering thicker burgers with buttered buns while reminding customers of its glory days with a remake of its 1984 "Where’s the beef?" commercials. (Financial Times)

-- David Lazarus

Photo: This is a good massage. But the FDA says you could get strangled if you use a ShoulderFlex massager. Credit: Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times